Judge Halts Camp Mystic Repairs Amid Flood Investigation

Judge Orders Parts of Camp Mystic to Remain Closed

A judge in Texas has ruled that sections of Camp Mystic, devastated by floods last summer, must stay closed. The camp cannot begin repairs on buildings or alter the land until ongoing investigations are complete.

This decision stems from a lawsuit filed by the parents of an eight-year-old camper whose body has not yet been found. Their attorneys argue the camp was unprepared for the flooding and made critical errors that led to loss of life.

Lawsuit Alleges Camp Preparedness Failures

Attorneys for the family of the missing camper claim that simple actions could have prevented the tragedy. They presented testimony suggesting that if just one person had used a walkie-talkie or loudspeaker to order an evacuation to higher ground between 2:20 a.m.

And 3:15 a.m., lives could have been saved. The evidence indicated there were enough able-bodied individuals present to carry out such an order.

Temporary Restraining Order Issued

The judge issued a temporary restraining order, or TRO, which effectively seals off the Guadalupe River portion of Camp Mystic. This is the area where 27 young girls were located when they were swept away by the floodwaters.

The order prevents Camp Mystic from moving any earth or making changes to existing buildings until investigations conclude. The timeline for these investigations remains uncertain.

Camp Operation Continues at Alternate Location

The ruling allows Camp Mystic to continue operating at its Cypress Lake location. This site is situated on higher ground and was not affected by the July 4th floods.

This separation permits investigators to continue gathering evidence at the Guadalupe River site, which was heavily submerged when the river overflowed. The TRO ensures the integrity of the evidence at the flood-damaged area.

Emotional Testimony Reveals Camp’s Shortcomings

The judge’s decision follows three days of emotional testimony from members of the Eastland family, who are associated with the camp. Some admitted they were not aware of certain weather warnings.

They also acknowledged that weather radios were not placed in the cabins, a detail that raised serious concerns. The testimony highlighted a lack of preparedness for severe weather events.

“I’ve lived at Camp a good while now, and we’ve seen some floods. This wasn’t a flood. This was an inland tsunami. I couldn’t wrap my brain around why the girls had ever left their cabin.”

Katie Eastland, wife of Brit Eastland and daughter-in-law of Dick Eastland, described the floodwaters. Her words painted a vivid picture of the event’s severity, comparing it to an “inland tsunami.” This description highlights the extreme nature of the flooding and the unexpected fury of the Guadalupe River.

Future Operations Hinge on State Approval

Currently, the Cypress Lake portion of the camp is operational and on higher ground. Images show the extensive damage to the Guadalupe River section.

The TRO’s lifting date is unknown. Another hearing is scheduled as part of the lawsuit filed by the family of Ciel Steward, the eight-year-old camper who has not been recovered.

Hundreds of Campers Await Decision

Camp Mystic has applied to the State of Texas for permission to operate its Cypress Lake facility this summer. The first day of camp is scheduled for the last day of May, leaving about six weeks until opening.

Over 800 girls have had families place deposits for the Cypress Lake location. However, without approval from the Texas Department of State Health Services, the camp cannot legally open.

State Agency Holds Key to Summer Operations

All eyes are now on the state agency to see if Camp Mystic will receive the necessary permit for its Cypress Lake location. If permission is denied, it would create a significant disruption for hundreds of families who have already made plans. The decision by the Texas Department of State Health Services will be crucial for the camp’s immediate future.

Source: Judge rules parts of Camp Mystic must remain closed until investigation complete  (YouTube)